(Don't get confused by the 'he' and 'she'. I use them alternately for V. Sometimes 'them' as well.)
The cries of the Azurean watchmen still lingered in Vaarsuvius' mind, haunting his dreams, taunting her without end.
—Please! Save us!
With a gasp, Vaarsuvius awoke trembling from yet another nightmare.
No. I must not waste time on such meaningless revision of memories.
He closed her eyes again, taking deep, calming breaths like his master had taught her so many years ago. But even then he could not find respite from the endless doubts that came like waves breaking on the shore. You acted unwisely. No, his actions had not been foolish. I did what I had to. For the greater good. For my friends.
Friends. Such a long forgotten word. Where were they now, she wondered. Alive? He stifled a soft sob even as more misgivings came hurtling at her. How will I save them now? The answers came swiftly, as did the rain. Drop by drop, stabbing into the elf's heart.
—You cannot. You are nothing, powerless.
Stop this madness! The elf cried out. I am not nothing. I am Vaarsuvius.
Vaarsuvius the proud, Vaarsuvius the mighty, Vaarsuvius the infallible. No one would have recognized the decrepit figure hunched on the ground, silent tears streaming down his face.